Combatting the Call of Consumerism

This Christmas season I am realizing how strongly consumerism affects me. I have all of my Christmas shopping done now, but with almost a month left before Christmas, I still feel compelled to purchase something for someone. Being a frugally minded person, I usually try to buy things when they are on sale. But this is the time of year when everything is on sale, so I feel like I ought to get it now since I can get a deal on it; even if I don't really need it.

It may seem silly, but I find it really hard to contain myself. Not just this year, but every year. I guess part of it is the fact that shopping and collecting things, whether for yourself or someone else, is fun. I don't know of anyone who really hates shopping. You may not like to shop for clothes, but you do like to shop for kitchen gadgets, or something else that peaks your interest. And I think that's why so many people go into debt and spend half the year trying to pay off what they spent during Christmas.

I have a budget and that helps me to control those impulses to buy, buy, buy. I already wrote a post on how I use a Christmas budget spreadsheet. Now, I just have to fight the desire to buy something when I see some commercial or ad. Does the urge to shop til you drop ever go away?? I hate feeling torn between gratification and sensibility. Thankfully, sense is winning out.